ROAD SAFETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 10

ROAD SAFETY

FITNESS OF CABS CERTIFICATES NEEDED EXPIRATION OF PERIOD MOTORISTS' OBLIGATIONS Drivers of motor vehicles whose certificates of fitness were issued prior to the end of September, 1937, are now required to obtain renewals, the previous certificates having expired yesterday. This does not apply to all motorists, however, as those who have purchased cars and had them certified as fit since the end of September are not required to undergo another inspection until six months have elapsed, the certificates being valid for that period. Local garages state that there has not been the same: rush as was experienced a year ago, when the system was introduced. The period of renewal has now been spread out, and the general opinion is that the majority of firms can handle all the inquiries. The opinion also was expressed that a great number of motorists have overlooked the necessity of renewing their certificates, and something in the nature of a drive by officials will probably result in a busy period. " The great ma jority of cars are in much better condition than at previous testing periods," said a garage proprietor yesterday. " Most of the serious faults were attended to at the first inspection a year ago, and only slight adjustments require to be made, lhe most common defect is the incorrect focussing of lights, while in several cases brakes need small adjustments." A number of motorists still regard the periodical inspection as an unwarranted imposition, particularly those who own modern vehicles. Many resent the additional annual charge of os, and point out that their comparatively new cars are obviously in good condition. The majority, however, appear to have become resigned to the system, according to a garage owner, who states that there is no doubt that there has been a marked improvement in the general condition of cars.